Copy
JobSeeker survey results, ACT Electoral Commission roundtable - 9 July, sector news, consultations, jobs & more!
View this email in your browser
ACTCOSS eNotices - Weekly news for the ACT community sector
Wednesday 24 June 2020

CEO's update

ACOSS today released the results of a survey of 955 people receiving JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and Austudy, who are receiving the Coronavirus Supplement.

The survey found that before the introduction of the Coronavirus Supplement, people were experiencing high rates of financial and personal distress, including skipping meals, struggling to pay rent and unable to cover medical costs.

At the higher rates following payment of the Coronavirus Supplement, people reported that they were eating better, able to catch-up on bills and feeling a sense of dignity. We cannot go back to the harsh and heartless levels of welfare payments experienced before the COVID-19 crisis.
 
I am very happy to inform you the Community Assistance and Support Program (CASP) Directory (pdf) is now complete and the CASP landing page and service directory have been loaded on the ACT Health website. Thank you to those who have assisted with the update of the CASP Service Directory. It has been a work in progress for a while and has finally come to fruition.
 
NAIDOC Week is fast approaching. While our commemoration of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures will take a different form given social distancing requirements, we hope that you will join the celebrations through the various online forums and events, such as the ACT Community Sector NAIDOC Week Online Event on 7 July.

As always, if you require any support or information from ACTCOSS, please do not hesitate to contact me at ceo@actcoss.org.au or 0424 910 617.

Best wishes
Dr Emma Campbell, CEO, ACTCOSSDr Emma Campbell
Chief Executive Officer
ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS)
ceo@actcoss.org.au
There is 1 job notice this week.
Would your organisation like to advertise? See the end of eNotices for more details. Members get free ads until June!
Be sure to check out the Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander dates of significance & events below!

COVID-19 updates

Latest info on COVID-19 on our website


ACTCOSS is hosting a list of all the past information updates about COVID-19 on our website.

Read the latest editions:

ACTCOSS news

Roundtable: ACT Electoral Commission & ACT Community Sector - 9 Jul


The ACT Electoral Commission will be sharing responsibilities of community service organisations under ACT electoral legislation, followed by time for Q&A. There will then be a discussion on the voting services available to ensure all Canberrans are included in the ACT election process. 

When: Thursday 9 July 2020, 9.30am to 11am
Where: via the virtual meeting platform Zoom. The Zoom meeting details and information regarding how to join will be sent to registered participants via email before the event.
Register via Eventbrite

ACT election: Do you want to be involved?


An election for the ACT Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be held on Saturday 17 October 2020. ACTCOSS is building a campaign around community priorities and we would like to hear from members and peaks.

There are two ways to be involved:
  • As part of an ACT Election 2020 Advisory Group of up to 8 members – this would be an ongoing commitment involving meetings once a month between now and the election (there may be fortnightly meetings closer to the election).
  • As part of a wider reference group available for contact, commentary and input on specific policy issues and platforms, which will be called on as needed.
If you would like to contribute to the campaign in any way, please email craig.wallace@actcoss.org.au with a brief expression of interest outlining how you would like to be involved by Friday 26 June 2020. You can also discuss by phone on 0477 200 755.

ACTCOSS condemns opaque ACT child protection system: community must have a say


Media release, 23 Jun 2020: ACTCOSS today condemned the ACT Government’s inadequate consultation on new legislation that will simplify the ability to dispense with parental consent for children to be adopted. Read the media release

Social housing key to building back better in the ACT


Media release, 18 Jun 2020: ACTCOSS and ACT Shelter today called on the ACT Government to commit to investment in social housing in their plans for community recovery and rebuilding the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the media release

ACTCOSS learning & development

Some events may be changed from in person to video conferencing. We will let you know closer to the date. Find out more about our learning and development events.


Reconciliation


[POSTPONED, NO NEW DATE YET] Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Education Program, 9.30am to 4.30pm, $330-$390

[GOING AHEAD, pending review] Strategic Indigenous Awareness with Grant Sarra, 20 Aug, 9.30am-4.30pm, $300-$360

[GOING AHEAD, pending review] Cultural Awareness on Country Tour with Richie Allan, 16 Oct, 9am-4.30pm, $540-660
 

Other learning & development events


[GOING AHEAD, pending review] Opening up Equality in the ACT: The New Discrimination Grounds, and Beyond, 25 Aug, 9.30am to 1pm, FREE!


Peer network events


[This week] ACT Community Sector Human Resources Peer Network, 25 Jun, 9.30am to 11am, FREE! Email actcoss@actcoss.org.au for access details.

[This week] ACT Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Sector Network: presentation from Jeffery Amatto, 26 Jun, 11am to 1pm, FREE! Email gulanga@actcoss.org.au for access details.

ACT CASP Sector Peer Network meeting, 1 Jul, 9.30am to 10.45am, FREE!

ACT Community Sector Communications Peer Network meeting, 22 Jul, 9.30am to 10.45am, FREE!

COSS news

Survey shows increased JobSeeker payment allowing people to eat regularly, cover rent & pay bills


ACOSS media release, 24 Jun 2020: More than 9 out of 10 people in a national survey reported that the removal of the new JobSeeker rate would have a significant or extreme impact on their ability to cover the cost of essentials. Read the media release | Read the survey results (pdf)

50 plus organisations propose a smart housing installation boom to make a real difference


Joint media release, 19 Jun 2020: Over 50 social, property, business, environment, local councils and research groups have banded together to call on Federal and State Governments to stimulate the economy with an energy efficient and solar, low-income housing installation boom. Read the media release

A permanent increase to JobSeeker needed to keep 1.6 million out of poverty


ACOSS media release, 18 Jun 2020: ACOSS is encouraged by reports that the Federal Government is considering a permanent increase to the Jobseeker payment and urges it to engage with key stakeholders, experts and those with lived experience to set a payment rate that meets the needs of people affected and the economy. Read the media release

Raise the Rate: we cannot force people back into poverty

Raise the Rate logo.
It was reported on 18 June 2020 in The Australian Financial Review and The West Australian (both articles behind paywalls) that the Government is seriously considering a permanent raise to JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance, as part of its review of JobSeeker and JobKeeper that will be released on July 23.

We have little information about what the Government is thinking, but we need the Government to know how absolutely critical it is that JobSeeker and Youth Allowance never force people back into poverty.
 

How you can take action:

1) Sign up for a Welcome Session to connect with others in the campaign. You will learn more about the campaign, what is coming up, and how you can get involved.

2) Contact your MP. Register here, and tell them that we cannot cut the incomes of those who most need the support.

Contact: 02 9310 6216 / 0444 590 297 | raisetherate@acoss.org.au

Sector news

My Rights, My Decisions: free course - 23 & 30 June


The ACT Recovery College is hosting the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network's course 'My Rights, My Decisions'. Anyone over the age of 18 can attend.

This course aims to improve a student’s understanding of their individual rights to express their views and preferences about their mental health treatment, care and support within the context of the ACT Mental Health Act 2015.  

When: 23 & 30 June 2020, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Where: online via Zoom
Enrol in this free course or contact the ACT Recovery College for more info at admin@recoverycollegeact.org

ACT Community Sector NAIDOC Week Online Event - 7 Jul


Whilst official NAIDOC Week celebrations have been deferred, we would still like to bring the community together to commemorate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures during NAIDOC Week via a digital event. Participating community sector organisations will be hosting a live stream Q&A session with local community members to discuss the meaning and importance of Aboriginal cultures to them, with particular focus on this year’s theme – ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

The Q&A will be facilitated by Dan Bourchier from the ABC. This will be coupled with a combination of live and pre-recorded interviews and performances from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members, interspersed with contributions of videos / creative pieces, on this year’s theme, from the local community.

When: Tuesday 7 July 2020, 11am to 12.30pm
Where:

Socials: #CanberraNAIDOC

Competition for ACT Community Sector NAIDOC Week Event

We are looking for community members and individuals to create their own videos and/or photographs of this year’s theme for NAIDOC 'Always Was, Always Will Be'. Entries will be included as part of our Facebook Live event on 7 July at 11am.

Read more info on how to enter, deadlines, and prizes.

Enter the competition

Community Assistance & Support Program: Service Directory & Website Update


The Community Assistance and Support Program (CASP) aims to enhance your health and wellbeing, and facilitate your independence and participation in the community.

ACTCOSS is pleased to announce the CASP service directory (pdf) has been updated. The service directory includes information about what CASP is and the various services available. 
 
An updated CASP landing page and the service directory is available on the CASP page on the ACT Health website.

ACT Legislative Assembly news


The ACT Legislative Assembly's newsletter 'Matters of public importance—your Assembly @ work', covering 18 June 2020, is now out. Read the newsletter and subscribe by emailing NoticePaper@parliament.act.gov.au

Youth unemployment: Anti-Poverty Week news


The national Anti-Poverty Week campaign has launched its annual Pens Against Poverty writing competition. You can also read about new research on poverty and unemployment. Read the newsletter and subscribe.

2021 Census questions and date announced


The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) announced that Census night for the next Census will be 10 August 2021.

The Census measures the number of people in Australia and their key characteristics. Census data is used extensively by governments, organisations and the community to plan for services and infrastructure. 

For the 2021 Census, the ABS will add new questions on health conditions, and Australian Defence Force service. Read more

Children with a family member in prison during COVID-19: survey


SHINE for Kids is asking adult carers of children with a relative in prison to complete an online survey. It asks questions about the changes made in prisons about keeping in contact, and how these have affected your family, particularly the children you are caring for.

SHINE for Kids will use this information to advocate for the voices and perspectives of children of prisoners and their families.

Complete the survey to go into a draw to win one of three $100 supermarket vouchers. If you have questions, please contact catherine.flynn@monash.edu or 9903 2731.

Dementia Village to be built in Canberra: survey


A group in Canberra have formed an Association which aims to gain support to build a dementia village in the Canberra Region to be named The Neighbourhood, Canberra. It will be designed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia who need 24-hour supportive care and provide a residential dementia care option not currently available in the Canberra Region.
 
Please share your feedback about such an option for dementia care in the Canberra Region. This short survey will take 5 to 10 minutes.

[Closing soon!] ACT residents, tell us about your energy use: survey


Residents in the ACT who pay energy bills, are being asked by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to take a short survey on their energy use and behaviour.

The results feed into the table or graph on all energy bills, which compares how much energy households use against similar size households in the area. This data also helps energy users make more informed choices about how they use energy.

The 5-10 minute survey asks for meter details from the consumer's electricity and gas bill and information about the household type and energy usage behaviour.

If you have lived in your property for at least 18 months and can help, please take a copy of your latest electricity and gas bills and complete the survey by 26 June 2020.

[Closing soon!] Sexual violence and harassment primary prevention initiatives: survey


The Department of Social Services is interested to understand the role of your organisation and the primary prevention initiatives that your organisation provides. This survey will help to better understand and coordinate efforts to prevent sexual violence and harassment.

Complete the survey by 26 June 2020. Contact clorens@deloitte.com.au about the survey or ruth.pitt@dss.gov.au about the project.

Seeking Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander Men to answer short survey about family violence


The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) is seeking support from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men to complete a very short survey.

The survey asks questions about how you understand family violence, what should go into a brochure created by DVCS for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men about family violence and whether you can help by answering 3 more surveys. There is no face-to-face work, no phone calls and each survey will take less than 10 minutes over 4 to 5 months.

If you identify as a male Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, please answer the survey by 31 July 2020. Contact Alanna Davis on 02 6228 1794 or to alanna@dvcs.org.au.

Senior Practitioner Act: Fact sheet about offences and penalties


From 1 July 2020, the Senior Practitioner Act 2018 creates penalties for an inappropriate use of a restrictive practice.

Wherever possible, in accordance with the Act, the Senior Practitioner will endeavour to work with providers to address issues of non-compliance through education, engagement and capacity building.

Information for providers to understand how the Act will be enforced can be found under the penalties and offences section. Further resources including a plain language version of the fact sheet will be available over the coming weeks.

Contribute to decision making


Find consultations and other ways you can contribute to decision making.

Crimes (Offences Against Vulnerable People) Legislation: feedback on information sheet


Information about new offences (pdf) has been under development to assist in raising awareness of the provisions in the Crimes (Offences Against Vulnerable People) Amendment Bill 2020 and their intended operation. This information will be provided to help explain the legislation.
 
Comments or queries about the Bill or the information sheet can be provided direct to JACSLPPCRIMINAL@act.gov.au. Feedback should be provided the the Justice and Community Safety Directorate by COB 3 July 2020.

Rights and Attitudes: disability issues paper


The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released an issues paper (accessible versions available) looking at the awareness and recognition of the rights of people with disability.

The Royal Commission wants to learn more about:
  • the level of awareness that people with disability, and the wider community, have about the rights of people with disability
  • attitudes towards people with disability - how those attitudes develop and what can be done to change them.
The Royal Commission encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 31 July 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date. Find out more and make a submission

How do you use Census data?


Census data is used to inform decisions by people and organisations from all over Australia. This includes governments, local councils, not for profit organisations, researchers, businesses and community groups.

The Government want to share the stories of how Census data is used, to help people understand the value of completing their Census.

Share your story via this online survey by 31 Aug 2020.

ACT Government consultations


Here you'll find links to ACT Government consultations on the Your Say website and selected ACT Legislative Assembly inquiries.

[Closing soon!] Review of ACT emergency services responses to the 2019-20 bushfire season, closing 1 July 2020

COVID-19 pandemic response, open indefinitely

Tree planting across Canberra, ongoing

Planning for the Surgical Procedures, Interventional Radiology and Emergency Centre (SPIRE) and the Canberra Hospital campus and immediate surrounds:
  • community consultation, ongoing until late 2020
  • the ACT Legislative Assembly will hear the report before the end of the Ninth Assembly due to altered operations in the context of COVID-19, see the Terms of Reference
ACT planning review, sign up to follow updates

Light Rail: City to Woden, ongoing

Commonwealth Government consultations


Please see the Parliament of Australia's website for a list of all current Senate, House and Joint Committee inquiries accepting public submissions.

[Closing soon!] General issues around the implementation and performance of the NDIS, closes 30 June 2020

Inquiry into the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific, closes 17 July 2020

[Extended] Autism, closes 17 July 2020

Inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence, closes 24 July 2020

Temporary Migration, closes 30 July 2020

Issues facing diaspora communities in Australia, closes 31 July 2020

[Extended] Centrelink's compliance program, closes 17 September 2020

[NEW!] Public communications campaigns targeting drug and substance abuse, closes 30 October 2020

Awards

[Closing soon!] Volunteering Awards Canberra region

 
Nominations for the 2020 Volunteering Awards have been extended until Tuesday 30 June 2020. The ceremony for the 2020 Volunteering Awards has been postponed to later in 2020. Find out more and nominate

HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards


Nominations for the 2020 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards are now open. Nominate an early childhood professional with a story worth celebrating and they could share a $30,000 prize pool. Find out more and nominate before 25 September 2020.

Grants

For more ACT grants and related news, check the ACT Government Grants website.

[Closing soon!] Small grants for community groups impacted by COVID-19


ActewAGL's new Community Grants Program gives local charities, low-income and not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $10,000 per organisation.

To be eligible, applicants must be an ActewAGL customer (business or residential). If successful, the partnership will start in in early August 2020.

Read more and apply by 29 June 2020. Contact Charlie, ActewAGL Senior Hardship Officer at 1300 138 574.

[Closing soon!] Small grants to inspire behaviour change to reduce greenhouse emissions and grow community gardens


The ACT Community Zero Emissions Grants program supports non-profit organisations and individuals to inspire behaviour change through innovative projects that demonstrate how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in different sectors such as energy, transport, building and waste.

The Community Garden Grants program helps groups develop and expand community gardens across Canberra, and may include established gardens, new gardens, school gardens and innovative gardens such as bush tucker gardens or gardens for people with disabilities.

Apply by 29 June 2020.

[Closing soon!] City Grants 2020


Tier 1 (up to $10,000) and Tier 2 Grants (between $10,001 and $50,000) are available for activities taking place between 1 September and 30 June 2021.

City Grant recipients can play an important role in contributing to the cultural and sustainable development of our city’s public places. Applications should demonstrate adaptability to respond to the current and future environment that has been impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Read more and apply by 3pm on Tuesday 30 June 2020. Prior to applying, it’s recommended that you contact the team at cityrenewal@act.gov.au.

[Closing soon!] 2020/2021 Indigenous Sports Grant Program (ISGP)


In 2020 the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council has taken over administration of the ACT Indigenous Sports Grants Program.

Read more (pdf) and apply (pdf) by 30 June 2020. For more info contact sharon.brown@wbacc.gov.au or call 02 4442 1029.

ACT Women's Return to Work Grants Program


The ACT Women's Return to Work Grants Program is an ACT Government initiative providing women returning to the paid workforce with financial assistance, information and resources to assist them to reach this goal.

Individual grants of up to $1,000 are available to women who have been absent from the workforce for more than 12 months due to caring responsibilities, and who meet the program criteria.

Read more and apply This grant is ongoing. For more info contact rtw@act.gov.au or 02 6205 2885.

Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flagAboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander dates of significance & events

ANNIVERSARY: Torres Strait Islands
24 June 1879
All of the remaining Torres Strait Islands become a part of Queensland.
ANNIVERSARY: Census
30 June 1971
The Census officially includes all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s population count for the first time.
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: NAIDOC Week
first Sunday in July, 1975
Celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: Coming of the light
1 July 1871
A religious and cultural ceremony observed by Torres Strait Islanders to celebrate the arrival of The London Missionary Society, the introduction of Christianity. 
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: First citizen
1 July 1957
Albert Namatjira and his wife Rubina receive Australian Citizenship, however, this did not apply to their children. 
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: Tennis
1 July 1971
The Women’s Singles title at Wimbledon is contested by two Australians. Evonne Goolagong defeats Margaret Court to win the title. 
[NEW!] ANNIVERSARY: TSRA
1 July 1994
The Torres Strait Regional Authority is established. 

Tips for your organisation

Sharing staff's feelings around changes


COVID-19 has brought many changes within our lives, how we live, work, socialise. Some deal better with change than others. In the workplace it is important to listen to and understand how staff feel when there are changes. Use this 'mad, sad, glad' tool to help your team discuss current and expected changes to working due to COVID-19.

How to inclusively shape your NFP's voice


When developing your nonprofit’s tone and style, adding a few key discussion points around inclusivity and equity to the process is important. It’ll lead to a personality that staff are excited to rally around, feel comfortable embodying, and trust as a representation of your NFP and the world you all are working toward. Here are a few conversation starters to help inclusively shape your NFP's voice.

Latest research

Find more research at Analysis and Policy Observatory
A Report on Engagements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Coalition of Peaks, June 2020
This landmark report has been prepared by the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Peak Organisations on Closing the Gap (the Coalition of Peaks), in partnership with Australian governments. It provides detailed feedback on what representatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities across Australia said about what should be included in a new National Agreement on Closing the Gap during engagements coordinated by the Coalition of Peaks in late 2019.
4715.0 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2018-19
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), June 2020
46% of people had at least one chronic condition that posed a significant health problem in 2018–19, up from 40% in 2012–13. In people aged two years and over, 17% reported having anxiety or depression 13%. 45% of people aged 15 years and over rated their own health as excellent or very good in 2018–19, up from 39% in 2012–13.
6202.0 - Labour Force, Australia, May 2020
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), June 2020
Employment falls by a further 227,700 in May.
Gender experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown
The Australia Institute, June 2020
Despite the fact that women have borne a disproportionate share of the recent increase in unemployment, the stimulus measures announced to date have tended to disadvantage casuals (where women are overrepresented) and been focused on specific industries such as construction (where women are underrepresented).
COVID catch-up: helping disadvantaged students close the equity gap
Grattan Institute, June 2020
This report recommends big investments of $1.13 billion in small-group tuition programs. Disadvantaged students would receive regular short sessions in reading and maths, three or four times a week over a 12-week period. It also recommends expanding successful literacy and numeracy programs, especially for students in the early years.
Fiscal stimulus for low-carbon compatible COVID-19 recovery: criteria for infrastructure investment
Centre for Climate and Energy Policy, June 2020
This paper develops a multi-criteria analysis framework to identify investments with good social economic and lower-carbon outcomes, and applies it to previous priority infrastructure programs in Australia. Public stimulus is recommended in renewable energy supply, some types of transport infrastructure projects, energy efficiency programs, and land management projects including restoring ecosystems.
Why parenting matters for children in the 21st century
OECD Publishing, June 2020
The paper outlines how changes in the 21st century have altered family life and summarises evidence from meta-studies. Overall, results suggest that warm parenting that provides children with age-appropriate autonomy and structure is key for a healthy and prosperous development of children and adolescents across various domains.
Digital news report: Australia 2020
News and Media Research Centre (UC), June 2020
Australian news consumers are accessing news more frequently but their interest in news is declining. Those with lower incomes, low education and live in the regions rely more on local news. Australian news consumers (8%) are more than twice as likely than the global average (3%) to believe climate change is not serious at all.
A practical guide for establishing an evidence centre
Alliance for Useful Evidence, June 2020
This publication identifies five common ingredients that contribute to successful evidence centres: 1. clear objectives; 2. robust organisational development; 3 engaged users; 4. rigorous curation and creation of evidence; 5. a focus on impact.

Community Sector JobsJob Notices


To support our members during the COVID-19 pandemic, ACTCOSS are offering free job ads for members until June 2020.

From July, for a small fee, your community organisation can submit a job notice to appear here in ACTCOSS eNotices and on the ACTCOSS website.

[NEW!] Peer Support Worker - Relationships Australia Canberra and Region
Closes 5 July 2020
Event advertising in eNotices: Do you have a conference, training course, fundraising function or other event with an entry fee that you'd like to advertise in eNotices? For a small fee we can include events relevant to the community sector. Spaces are limited. Please contact communications@actcoss.org.au for more information. Free events do not incur a fee.
Find ACTCOSS here:
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Email actcoss@actcoss.org.au
Share this edition of eNotices:
Share
Tweet
Forward
Copyright © 2020 ACT Council of Social Service Inc., All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp